RELATIONSHIPS Physical Attractiveness

Question 1

What did Shackelford and Larson find?

Answer 1

People with symmetrical faces are seen as more attractive as symmetry alludes to a sign of genetic fitness

Males = preference for females with neotenous faces (baby like features)

Question 2

What did Dion et al claim ?

Answer 2

What is beautiful is good which links to halo effect

Question 3

What is the halo effect

Answer 3

Refers to ides that one distinguishing feature can have huge influence when it comes to making a judgement of another person

Question 4

What did Walster et al come up with?

Answer 4

The matching hypothesis

Question 5

What is the matching hypothesis

Answer 5

Each individual make a judgement about their own level of attraction and looks to form a relationship with someone that they believe is of a similar level

Question 6

AO3

Supporting studies for the halo effect

Answer 6

Palmer and Paterson - physically attractive people rated more politically knowledgeable than unattractive people - even when participants in study been told that these attractive people had no political expertise

Cunningham et al - supports cross cultural vailidity of halo effect - large eyes, prominent cheekbones and small noses rated highly attractive by white, hispanic and asian males. attractive people = trustworthy and friendly

Research confirms those deemed physically attractive also likely seen to have other positive characteristics

Question 7

AO3

Supporting studies for the marching hypothesis

Answer 7

Feingold - support evidence for matching hypothesis with meta analysis of 17 studies using real life couples, established strong correlation between partners ratings of attractiveness

Other research failed to provide conclusive evidence of matching hypothesis. Taylor et al - activity log on dating websites, found website users more likely try arrange meeting with potential partner who physically more attractive than them

research contradicts matching hypothesis as dating websites users dont fear rejection in way matching hypothesis suggests

Question 8

AO3:

Matching hypothesis fails to consider gender differences

Answer 8

Meltzer et al - men rate their long term relationships more satisfying if partner as physically attractive as them, women = partners attractiveness didnt have to be same level as this doesnt have and impact on relationship

matching hypothesis suffer beta bias as it assumes men + women are similar in their view of importance of physical attractiveness

matching hypothesis doesnt represent experience and behaviour of women